EP1000761B1

EP1000761B1 - Image forming apparatus having sheet feeding unit for insert sheets

Info

Publication number: EP1000761B1
Application number: EP99122398A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hiroshi c/o Canon K. K. Sumio; Hirohiko c/o Canon K. K. Ito; Nobuaki c/o Canon K. K. Miyahara; Bungo c/o Canon K. K. Shimada
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1998-11-11
Filing date: 1999-11-10
Publication date: 2003-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-10
Also published as: EP1000761A1; DE69906218T2; US6311029B1; DE69906218D1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field Of The Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an insert sheet feeding unit other than a print sheet feeding unit.

Description Of The Related Art

When two groups of printed sheets, for example sheets printed by a color printer and sheets printed by a monochrome printer, are collated together, manual techniques require a user to collate the two groups by himself or herself. To solve this problem, it has been proposed to provide a color printer with an inserter, so as to feed insert sheets. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 96-274974 describes a situation in which print data for both monochrome pages and color pages are printed and collated together. First, monochrome print data is sent from a computer to a monochrome printer for printout of monochrome pages. A user takes the monochrome pages and places them on an inserter or specific feeder of a color printer. Thereafter, the color print data is sent to the color printer that prints out color pages and collates the color pages together with the monochrome pages.

A problem arises with such an arrangement when the color printer is connected to a network connected to a plurality of computers. Specifically, the monochrome pages mounted on the feeder for one user can become accidentally collated with color pages printed by another user.

JP-A-10 000 834 discloses an image processing device capable of surely outputting a manual job to a desired output medium without unfavorably affecting other jobs. Received manual jobs are registered on a manual job list and stored in a storage unit. Normal jobs are instantly output on paper being carried from a tray. As soon as a paper is set in a manual tray, one of the registered manual jobs can be selected to be outputted. Then, the selected manual job is read from the storage unit and formed on the paper being carried from the manual tray.

JP-A-10 187 372 discloses a printer device in which the printed output of each job can be prevented from being overlapped, and the processing speed of the previously processed job can be prevented from being delayed at the time of operating the processing of another job during the processing of a certain job. If the execution of the plural processing of a job is decided then an inquiry as to whether the job transmitted afterward can be executed is transmitted to a host which transmits the first job. The processing of the job transmitted afterward is executed according to the result of the inquiry.

JP-A-09 048 165 discloses a printer capable of limiting a user which is allowed to use a printer by the printer itself. When the printer receives printing data, it checks whether its header has a user ID or not. If there is no user ID then print data destroy information is output and the received printing data is destroyed. When there is a user ID, it is checked whether the user ID is registered in a user ID memory or not. If the user ID is not registered then the use of the printer is inhibited, print data destroy information is output, and the printing data is destroyed. If the user ID is registered then the received printing data is recorded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a driver software for the apparatus which can prevent accidental collation of insert sheets from one user with printed sheets from another user.

According to the present invention, the foregoing object is attained by the subject-matter as defined in the attached claims.

Other objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a system structure of an image forming apparatus.

Figure 2 shows a structure of a reader and a printer.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the reader.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a core unit.

Figure 5 shows a flowchart in the first embodiment.

Figure 6 shows a flowchart of initialization in the first embodiment.

Figure 7 shows a flowchart in the first embodiment.

Figure 8 shows a operation panel in the first embodiment.

Figure 9 shows a print designation screen of the personal computer in the first embodiment.

Figure 10 shows a operation panel in the second embodiment.

Figure 11 shows a print designation screen of the personal computer in the second embodiment.

Figure 12 shows a flowchart in the third embodiment.

Figure 13 shows a flowchart in the third embodiment.

Figure 14 shows a operation panel in the fourth embodiment.

Figure 15 shows a flowchart in the fourth embodiment.

Figure 16 shows a flowchart in the fifth embodiment.

Figure 17 shows a flowchart in the sixth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a system structure of an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is comprised of reader 1, printer 2, and image I/O control unit 3. Image I/O control unit 3, which is connected to personal computer 11 and telephone line 4a, controls various I/O processes. Reader 1 reads an image of an original, and outputs image data according to the original image to printer 2 and image I/O control unit 3. Printer 2 prints an image on a sheet in accordance with image data received from reader 1 and image I/O control unit 3.

Image I/O control unit 3 is connected to reader 1, and includes facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, image memory unit 9, and core unit 10. Facsimile unit 4 decompresses compressed image data received through telephone line 4a. Facsimile unit 4 compresses image data transferred from core unit 10, and sends the compressed image data through telephone line 4a. Hard disc 12 is connected to facsimile unit 4, and temporarily stores the compressed image data received. Magnetic optical disk unit 6 is connected to file unit 5. File unit 5 compresses image data transferred from core unit 10, stores the compressed image data in a magnetic optical disk, which is set in magnetic optical disk unit 6, with a key word which is for retrieving the image data. File unit 5 retrieves compressed image data stored in the magnetic optical disk in accordance with a key word transferred through core unit 10, decompresses the compressed image data retrieved, and transfers the decompressed image data to core unit 10.

Computer interface unit 7 is the interface between personal computer (or workstation) 11 and core unit 10. Computer interface unit 7 receives image data and code data. Personal computer 11 is connected to computer interface unit 7 through a network such as a LAN. Formatter unit 8 converts code data, which is transferred from computer 11, into image data which is printable by printer 2. Image memory unit 9 temporarily stores data transferred from computer 11 or data converted by formatter unit 8. Core unit 10 controls flows of data between reader 1, facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8, and image memory unit 9.

Figure 2 shows a structure of reader 1 and printer 2. Document feeder 101 feeds documents to platen glass 102 one by one in the reverse order from the last page, and discharges the original from platen glass after the original has been read. Lamp 103 is turned on when the original is set on platen glass 102. Then the original is scanned by scanner unit 104.

The reflected lights from original are led to CCD image sensor (CCD) 109 by

mirrors

105, 106, and 107, and by lens 108. Thereby the scanned original image is read by CCD 109. Image data output from CCD 109 is processed and then transferred to printer 2 and core unit 10 of image I/O control unit 3. Laser driver 221 of printer 2 drives laser emission unit 201. Laser driver 221 causes laser emission unit 201 to emit laser beams in accordance with image data output from reader 1. The laser beams expose photosensitive drum 202 and form a latent image on photosensitive drum 202. Developer 203 causes developing material to adhere onto the latent image on photosensitive drum 202. A sheet is fed from one of

cassette

204 and 205 to transfer unit 206, where developing material adhered onto photosensitive drum 202 is transferred onto the fed sheet. Fixing unit 207 fixes the developing material to the sheet by heat and pressure. Discharge roller 208 discharges the fixed sheet from printer 2. Sorter 220 sorts the discharged sheets by transporting the sheet to one of plural bins 223 of sorter 220. Sorter 220 transports the discharged sheets to an upper bin when a sort mode is not set.

A sheet feed unit 222 for feeding insert sheets (hereinafter, an "inserter", is provided in sorter 220. Sensor 225 detects an insert sheet 231 set on inserter 222. Sorter 220 causes inserter 222 to feed an insert sheet 231 which is set on inserter 222, and transport it onto the printed sheet which is discharged from printer 2 and stacked on one of bins 223, in accordance with a indication from printer 2. That is, the printed sheet and the insert sheet are discharged to one bin. Insert sheet 231 fed by inserter 222 is discharged without going through printer 2. In this way, the printed sheets and the insert sheet 231 are stacked on one bin 223 as a bunch of sheets. For example, sheets printed by a color printer are set on inserter 222, because printer 2 can print only monochrome image. Sorter 220 collates monochrome image sheets discharged from printer 2 and color image sheets set on inserter 222. Sorter 220 has a stapler which can staple sheets stacked on bins 223.

When a two sided print is set in printer 2, discharge roller 208 is reversed after the trailing edge of the sheet passes over flapper 209. Then the sheet is led to re-feed path 210 by discharge roller 208 and flapper 209. When a multiple print is set, flapper 209 leads the leading edge of the sheet to re-feed path 210 before the leading edge of the sheet reaches to discharge roller 208. The sheet led into re-feed path 210 is fed at the aforementioned timing. Numeral 224 indicates a manual feed unit for printed sheets.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of reader 1. A/D-SH unit 110 converts analog data output from CCD 109 into digital data and performs shading compensation the data. Image data processed by A/D-SH unit 110 are transferred to printer 2 through image processing unit 111 and transferred to core unit 10 through interface 113. CPU 114 controls image processing unit 111 and interface 113 in accordance with designations input by a user at operation panel 115. For example, when a trimming mode is set by operation panel 115, CPU 114 controls image processing unit 111 to perform a trimming processing and transfer the processed image data to printer 2. When a facsimile transmit mode is set by operation panel 115, CPU 114 transfers image data and a control command according to the set mode to core unit 10 through interface 113. A program of CPU 114 is stored in memory 116 and is referred by CPU 114. The program will be described later. The program could be stored in a memory medium such as a floppy disc and a CD-ROM. The memory medium can be read by CPU 114 or another CPU in the image forming apparatus.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of core unit 10. Image data received from reader 1 are transferred to data processing unit 121. Control commands received from reader 1 are transferred to CPU 123. Data processing unit 121 performs rotation processing and magnification processing of image and the like. Data processing unit 121 transfers image data to facsimile unit 4, file unit 5, and computer interface unit 7 through interface 120 in accordance with a control command transferred from reader 1.

Code data representing image are transferred to formatter unit 8 through computer interface unit 7 and data processing unit 121. Formatter unit 8 converts the code data into image data and transferred to facsimile unit 4 and printer 2 through data processing unit 121. Image data received from facsimile unit 4 are transferred to printer 2, file unit 5, and computer interface unit 7 through data processing unit 121. Image data received from file unit 5 are transferred to printer 2, facsimile unit 4, and computer interface unit 7 through data processing unit 121.

CPU 123 performs a control in accordance with a control program stored in memory 124 and control commands transferred from reader 1. Memory 124 is also used for a work area of CPU 123. As described above, it is able to perform a processing combined among reading an original, printing an image, transmitting an image, receiving an image, filing an image, and inputting and outputting image data for personal computer 11.

A processing performed by CPU 114 in reader 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The process steps shown in these figures are stored as computer executable process steps in a computer-readable medium such as memory 116. First, the processing shown in Figure 6 is executed once when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on. When the image forming apparatus is turned on, CPU 114 sets 0 in a variable N (S602).

CPU 114 executes the steps shown in Figure 5 after executing those shown in Figure 6. CPU 114 sets character string 0 in a variable P (S502). CPU 114 discriminates whether a insert sheet 231 is set on inserter 222 in accordance with the detection of sensor 225 (S503). If the insert sheet 231 is not set on inserter 222, CPU 114 sets a character string '0' in the variable N (S508), and returns to step S502. If the insert sheet 231 is set on inserter 222, CPU 114 discriminates whether the variable P is 0 (S504). If the variable P is 0, CPU 114 sets 1 in the variable P (S505). Then CPU 114 causes operation panel 115 to display a screen requesting an inserter reservation number as shown in Figure 8 and inputs a character string N from operation panel 115 (S506). CPU 114 stores the character string N (S507), and returns to step S503 while still displaying the character string N on operation panel 115. The character string N is called an inserter reservation number in this embodiment. If the variable P is not 0 at step S504, CPU 114 proceeds step S503.

Therefore whenever new insert sheets are set on inserter 222, a new inserter reservation number can be input from operation panel 115 by the operator.

Figure 7 shows a flowchart executed by CPU 114 in parallel with the flowchart shown in Figure 5. CPU 114 discriminates whether there is a job received from core unit 10 (S702). If there is a job, CPU 114 discriminates if the job uses inserter 222 based on designation data included in the job data (S703). If the job uses inserter 222, CPU 114 determines whether the variable P is 1 (S704). If the variable P is 1, (that is, insert sheets are set on inserter 222), CPU 114 advances to step S705. If the variable P is 0, CPU 114 waits at step S704 in for variable P to become 1.

Once variable P becomes 1 at step S704, CPU 114 discriminates whether an inserter reservation number included in the job data is equal to an inserter reservation number N input from operation panel 115 at step S506 (S705). If the inserter reservation numbers are the same, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job data (S706). Then CPU 114 controls sorter 220 to feed insert sheet 231 by inserter 222, and to discharge the insert sheet as a front page of the printed sheets on bin 223 (S707), and proceeds step S702. If the job does not use inserter 222 at step S703, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job (S708), and returns to step S702. If the inserter reservation numbers are different at step S705, CPU 114 returns to step S705 and waits for the input of a new inserter reservation number from operation panel 115. That is, unless inserter reservation number included in the job data is equal to inserter reservation number N input on the display panel, CPU 114 controls sorter 220 not to feed insert sheet 231 by inserter 222.

Figure 8 shows operation panel 115. Numeral 801 indicates a touch panel which has a display and transparent keys. Numeral 802 indicates a number displayed on touch panel 801. The value input by keypad 806 at step S506 is displayed on touch panel 801. The input value is stored as inserter reservation number N. Figure 8 shows that '3' and '5' are input by keypad 806 when insert sheets are set on inserter 222. Operation panel 115 has a stop key 803, start key 804, power indication lamp 805, and keypad 806. These keys are used for copy operations.

Figure 9 shows print designation screen 11A displayed on the display of personal computer 11. The print designation screen 11A is displayed by a printer driver program executed by personal computer 11. The print designation screen 11A is displayed before print data are sent from personal computer 11 to printer 2. Button 902 should be clicked when inserter 222 will be used. Button 901 should be clicked when inserter 222 will not be used. Numeral 903 indicates a field for inputting the inserter reservation number when inserter 222 is used. Numeral 904 indicates a field for designating the number of copies of a print job. Numeral 905 indicates a print button for initiating the print operation by sending job data to core unit 10.

When the user commands to print data on an application software such as a word processing software, a drawing software, a calculating software, or the like, the printer driver software is executed and the print designation screen shown in Figure 9 is displayed. The user inputs the inserter reservation number and clicks button 902 and then clicks print button 905. Then, the print job data are sent from personal computer 11 to image I/O control unit 3. The print job data includes designation data which designates whether inserter 222 should be used as well as the inserter reservation number.

When the user desires to get a document with a cover sheet by inserter 222, the user prepares the desired number of cover sheets in advance. Then, the user sets the cover sheets as the inserter sheets on inserter 222 and inputs the inserter reservation number by keypad 806. The inserter reservation number is displayed as shown in Figure 8. Then, the user inputs the same inserter reservation number on the screen 11A and clicks print button 905. Personal computer 11 sends the print job data to printer 2 upon clicking print button 905, and printer 2 prints in accordance with the print job data and controls inserter 222 to feed the cover sheet and stack it on the printed sheets.

Although the user sets the insert sheet (cover sheet) before designating the printing at personal computer 11 in the above procedure, the user also can set the insert sheet after designating the printing at personal computer 11. First of all, the user inputs an arbitrary insert reservation number on personal computer 11 as shown in Figure 9 and clicks print button 905. Personal computer 11 sends print data with the insert reservation number to the image forming apparatus. Then, the user sets a cover sheet on inserter 222 and inputs the same insert reservation number into operation panel 115. Printer 2 prints in accordance with the print job and controls inserter 222 to feed the cover sheet and stack it on the printed sheets. Thereby, the user does not have to walk many times between personal computer 11 and the image forming apparatus.

A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11 hereinafter. The same numerals as the first embodiment will be used when those are common. Figure 10 shows operation panel 115 and the network address 802 (here, an IP address) input as the insert reservation number. Figure 11 shows print designation screen 11B displayed on personal computer 11. Print designation screen 11B does not have a field for inputting the insert reservation number. The user designates to use inserter 222 or not and does not have to input the insert reservation number. Personal computer 11 sends print data with the predetermined network address to printer 2 instead of sending the insert reservation number. Then, the user sets a cover sheet on inserter 222 and inputs his/her network address by operation panel 115 as shown in Figure 10. Printer 2 prints in accordance with the print job and controls inserter 222 to feed the cover sheet and stack it on the printed sheets.

A third embodiment will be described hereinafter. The processing shown in Figure 6 is executed once when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on in third embodiment as well. When the image forming apparatus is turned on, CPU 114 sets 0 in a variable N (S602).

CPU 114 executes a flowchart shown in Figure 12 after executing the flowchart shown in Figure 6. CPU 114 sets 0 in a variable P (S1202). CPU 114 discriminates whether a insert sheet 231 is set on inserter 222 in accordance with a detection of sensor 225 (S1203). If the insert sheet 231 is not set on inserter 222, CPU 114 returns to step S1202. If the insert sheet 231 is set on inserter 222, CPU 114 discriminates whether the variable P is 0 (S1204). If the variable P is 0, CPU 114 sets 1 in the variable P (S1205). Then CPU 114 increments the variable N (S1206). CPU 114 cause operation panel 115 to display the variable N (S1207), such as the display of the numeral "35" shown in Figure 8, and proceeds to step S1203 while maintaining the display of variable N on operation panel 115. The variable N is called an inserter reservation number in this embodiment. If the variable P is not 0 at step S1204, CPU 114 returns to step S1203.

Therefore whenever new insert sheets are set on inserter 222, a new inserter reservation number can be displayed on operation panel 115.

Figure 13 shows a flowchart executed by CPU 114 in parallel with the process shown in Figure 12. CPU 114 discriminates whether there is a job received from core unit 10 (S1302). If there is the job, CPU 114 discriminates if the job uses inserter 222 based on the designation data included in the job data (S1303). If the job uses inserter 222, CPU 114 discriminates whether an inserter reservation number included in job data is equal to an inserter reservation number N input from operation panel 115 (S1304). If the inserter reservation numbers are the same in step S1304, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job data (S1305). Then CPU 114 controls sorter 220 to feed insert sheet 231 by inserter 222, and discharge the insert sheet as a front page of the printed sheets on bin 223 (S1306), and returns to step S1302. If the job does not use inserter 222 at step S1303, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job (S1308), and returns to step S1302. If the inserter reservation numbers are different at step S1304, CPU 114 deletes the job data (S1307) and returns to step S1302 and waits for a next job. That is, unless inserter reservation number included in the job data is equal to inserter reservation number N, CPU 114 controls sorter 220 not to feed insert sheet 231 by inserter 222.

A fourth embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 shows a sheet size select screen displayed on operation panel 115 upon setting insert sheet 231 on inserter 222. The sheet size of insert sheet 231 can be designated by touching the area corresponding to the size of insert sheet 231.

In the fourth embodiment, when the size of print sheet to be printed in accordance with a job is not equal to the size of insert sheet, the job is deleted. Figure 15 shows a flowchart executed by CPU 114. CPU 114 discriminates whether there is a job received from core unit 10 (S1502). If there is a job, CPU 114 discriminates if the job uses inserter 222 (S1503). If the job uses inserter 222, CPU 114 discriminates whether the size of an insert sheet input by operation panel 115 is equal to the size of print sheets designated by the job (S1504). If the sizes are the same in step S1504, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job data (S1505). Then CPU 114 controls sorter 220 to feed the set insert sheet by inserter 222, and discharge the insert sheet as a front page of the printed sheets on bin 223 (S1506). CPU 114 causes sorter 220 to staple the sheets on bin 223 (S1507) and returns to step S1502. If the job does not use inserter 222 at step S1503, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job (S1508), and returns to step S1502. If the sizes are different at step S1504, CPU 114 deletes the job data (S1509) and returns to step S1502 and waits for a next job.

Thereby, when the size of the insert sheet as the front page is not equal to the size of the print sheets, unwanted stapling of the insert sheet and the print sheets can be avoided.

The fifth embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to Figure 16. In the fifth embodiment, when the size of a print sheet to be printed in accordance with a job is not equal to the size of insert sheet, the job is executed without stapling. Figure 16 shows a flowchart executed by CPU 114.

CPU 114 discriminates whether there is a job received from core unit 10 (S1602). If there is a job, CPU 114 discriminates if the job uses inserter 222 (S1603). If the job uses inserter 222, CPU 114 discriminates whether the size of an insert sheet input by operation panel 115 is equal to the size of print sheets designated by the job (S1604). If the sizes are the same in step S1604, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job data (S1605). Then CPU 114 controls sorter 220 to feed the set insert sheet by inserter 222, and discharge the insert sheet as a front page of the printed sheets on bin 223 (S1606). CPU 114 causes sorter 220 to staple the sheets on bin 223 (S1607) and returns to step S1602. If the job does not use inserter 222 at step S1603, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job (S1608), and returns to step S1602. If the sizes are different at step S1604, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job data (S1609). Then CPU 114 controls sorter 220 to feed the set insert sheet by inserter 222, and discharge the insert sheet as a front page of the printed sheets on bin 223 (S1610). CPU 114 does not cause sorter 220 to staple (S1611) and returns to step S1602 and waits for a next job.

Thereby, when the size of the insert sheet as the front page is not equal to the size of the print sheets, unwanted stapling of the insert sheet and the print sheets can be avoided, but the printing is executed.

In a case where the image forming apparatus in the first and second embodiment is connected to a plurality of personal computers 11 through a network, more than one print job including inserter reservation numbers could be sent to the image forming apparatus at the same time, or a second print job including an inserter reservation number could be sent to the image forming apparatus before a first print job is completed. The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 17 in view of the above situation.

Figure 17 shows a flowchart executed by CPU 114 in parallel with the flowchart shown in Figure 5. The job data received from personal computer 11 is stored in image memory unit 9 until the job data is printed. Image memory unit 9 can store a plurality of job data. CPU 114 discriminates whether job data from a print job received from personal computer 11 is stored in image memory unit 9 (S1702). If job data is stored, CPU 114 discriminates if the print job uses inserter 222 based on the designation data included in the job data (S1703). If the job uses inserter 222, CPU 114 determines whether the variable P is 1 (S1704). If the variable P is 1 (that is, insert sheets are set on inserter 222), CPU 114 advances to step S1705. If the variable P is 0, CPU 114 returns to step S1704 in order to wait for variable P to become 1.

If the variable P is 1 at step S1704, CPU 114 determines whether image memory unit 9 stores the job data including an inserter reservation number which is equal to an inserter reservation number N input from operation panel 115 at step S506 (S1705). If image memory unit 9 stores job data including an inserter reservation number which is equal to inserter reservation number N, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job data corresponding to the inserter reservation number N (S1706). Then CPU 114 controls sorter 220 to feed insert sheet 231 by inserter 222, and to discharge the insert sheet as a front page of the printed sheets on bin 223 (S1707), and then returns to step S1702.

If image memory unit does not store the job data including the inserter reservation number which is equal to inserter reservation number N at step S1705, CPU 114 returns to step S1702. If the job does not use inserter 222 at step S1703, CPU 114 causes printer 2 to print in accordance with the job (S1708), and returns to step S1702. If the inserter reservation numbers are different at step S1705, CPU 114 returns to step S1705 and waits for input of a new inserter reservation number from operation panel 115. That is, unless image memory unit 9 stores job data including an inserter reservation number which is equal to inserter reservation number N, CPU 114 controls sorter 220 not to feed insert sheet 231 by inserter 222.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the image formation operation was illustrated as a print job, but jobs other than print jobs can be applied to the embodiments.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the sheet fed from inserter 222 does not go through fixing roller 207. For this reason, the color quality of the insert sheet (which is ordinarily a color image printed by a color printer or a color copier) does not degrade. However, if degradation in quality does not matter, the insert sheet could be fed from one of

cassettes

204 and 205 and manual feed unit 224.

The various embodiments can be combined, and in particular, the fourth and fifth embodiments could be combined with the first through third and sixth embodiments. For example, when the inserter reservation number of the image forming apparatus and the inserter reservation number included in the job sent from personal computer 11 are the same, and the size of the insert sheet and the size of the print sheet are the same, inserting, printing, and stapling are performed. When the inserter reservation numbers are the same and the size of the insert sheet and the size of the print sheet are different, the inserting and printing are performed but the stapling is not. When the inserter reservation numbers are different, printing only is performed and inserting is not.

The printer driver program, which causes display on personal computer 11, is stored in a computer readable medium such as a hard disc of personal computer 11. The printer driver program can be stored in a floppy disc and a CD-ROM and distributed. The printer driver program can be distributed over the Internet as well.

This invention can be applied to either an apparatus comprising a plurality of devices (e.g. a personal computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer) or an apparatus comprising one device (e.g. a copier or a facsimile).

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the description and drawings. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

A printing apparatus including print sheet feeding unit for feeding a print sheet, receiving unit for receiving image data and an identification of the image data from a personal computer, printing unit for printing an image on the print sheet fed by the print sheet feeding unit in accordance with the image data received by the receiving unit, insert sheet feeding unit for feeding a insert sheet, operation panel for inputting an identification of the insert sheet by a user, control unit for control the insert sheet feeding unit to feed the insert sheet in accordance with the identification of the image data corresponding to the identification of the insert sheet.

Claims

Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) comprising:

a print sheet feeder (204, 205) for feeding a print sheet;

a first receiving means (7) for receiving image data and an identification of the image data from another apparatus (11);

image forming means (2) for forming an image on the print sheet fed by said print sheet feeder (204, 205) in accordance with the image data received by said first receiving means (7);

an insert sheet feeder (222) for feeding an insert sheet (231);

a second receiving means (114, 115) for receiving an identification of the insert sheet (231); and

a controller (114) for controlling said insert sheet feeder (222) to feed the insert sheet (231) in a case where the identification of the image data corresponds to the identification of the insert sheet (231).
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, further comprising a detector (225) for detecting if the insert sheet (231) is set on said insert sheet feeder (222) and an inputting means for inputting the identification of the insert sheet (231) in accordance with a detection of said detector (225).
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, further comprising discharging means for discharging the insert sheet (231) fed by said insert sheet feeder (222) without going through said image forming means (2).
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, further comprising discharging means for discharging the print sheet and the insert sheet (231) to a discharge tray.
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein said controller (114) controls said insert sheet feeder (222) not to feed the insert sheet (231) when the identification of the image data is not equal to the identification of the insert sheet (231).
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein said image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) is connected to said another apparatus (11) through a network, said another apparatus (11) being a personal computer.
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein said identification of the insert sheet (231) is a network address of the another apparatus (11).
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 7, wherein said image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) is connected to said another apparatus (11) through a network, said another apparatus (11) being a personal computer, and said identification is a network address of said personal computer on said network.
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein said controller (114) includes a generator for generating an identification of the insert sheet (231) set on said insert sheet feeder (222), wherein said second receiving means (114, 115) receives the identification from said generator.
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 9, further comprising a detector (225) for detecting if the insert sheet (231) is set on said insert sheet feeder (222), wherein said generator generates the identification of the insert sheet (231) in accordance with a detection of said detector (225).
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 9, further comprising deleting means for deleting the image data received by said first receiving means (7) when the identification received by said first receiving means (7) is not equal to the identification generated by said generator.
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 9, wherein said image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) is connected to said another apparatus (11) through a network, said another apparatus (11) being a personal computer.
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, further comprising storing means (9) for storing the image data received by said first receiving means (7);
print control means for controlling said image forming means (2) to form the image data including the identification corresponding to the identification received by said second receiving means (114, 115); and
insert sheet control means for controlling said insert sheet feeder (222) to feed the insert sheet (231) in accordance with the printing by said print control means.
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 13, wherein said print control means controls said image forming means (2) not to print the image data including the identification when said storing means (9) stores no image data including the identification being equal to the identification received by said second receiving means (114, 115).
Image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein said second receiving means (114, 115) includes an operation panel (115) for inputting the identification of the insert sheet (231).
Image forming method in an image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) including a print sheet feeder (204, 205) for feeding a print sheet and an insert sheet feeder (222) for feeding an insert sheet (231), said method comprising:

receiving image data and an identification of the image data from another apparatus (11);

forming an image on the print sheet fed from said print sheet feeder (204, 205) in accordance with the received image data;

determining an identification of the insert sheet (231); and

controlling said insert sheet feeder (222) to feed the insert sheet (231) in a case where the identification of the image data corresponds to the identification of the insert sheet (231).
A memory medium for an image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3) including a print sheet feeder (204, 205) for feeding a print sheet and an insert sheet feeder (222) for feeding an insert sheet (231), said memory medium comprising code portions for performing all the steps of claim 16 when said code portions are run on the image forming apparatus (1, 2, 3).